MANILA, Philippines – The United States is set to deploy an anti-ship missile system and unmanned surface vehicles to be used during the Balikatan Exercises slated in April this year.
This was confirmed by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is in Manila for a two-day official visit.
In a joint press briefing with Philippines’ Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., Hegseth said that the move is one of the “next steps” to re-establish deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.
“First, we agreed that the United States will deploy additional advanced capabilities to the Philippines. This includes using the NMESIS anti-ship missile system and highly capable unmanned surface vehicles in Exercise Balikatan this April,” Hegseth said.
“These systems will enable US forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to train together on using advanced capabilities to defend the Philippines' sovereignty,” he added.
The Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) is a mobile, ground-based anti-ship missile system developed for the U.S. Marine Corps, utilizing the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) to engage enemy surface vessels from land-based positions.
For his part, Defense Sec. Teodoro welcomed the announcement by saying that the deployment of the NMESIS and unmanned surface vehicles will “hasten the introduction of these technologies into the vista of the Philippine Armed Forces, and will train our troops for higher technological capabilities that we need for effective deterrence in the future.”
After what he described as a “very productive discussion” with Teodoro and Philippines defense officials, Hegseth also mentioned that both countries agreed to conduct bilateral special operation forces training in Batanes Island, for both nation’s Special Forces.
Hegseth also mentioned that both secretaries agreed to “prioritize bilateral defense industrial cooperation.”
“Secretary Teodoro and I agreed to prioritize bilateral defense industrial cooperation, which is critical,” Hegseth stated.
“This includes co-producing unmanned systems and increasing combined logistics support,” he added.
According to the U.S. Defense chief, these efforts build on an ongoing USD 500 million commitment in foreign military financing and other security assistance to support the Philippines’ military modernization.
China’s aggression in the region
Hegseth reaffirmed its commitment to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, amidst the escalating aggression exhibited by China in the region.
“Our partnership demonstrates our commitment to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. As our president, who sends his greetings, President Donald Trump talks about often and demonstrates, we will achieve peace through strength,” Hegseth stated.
“We do not seek war. We seek peace. But those who long for peace must prepare for war. And we stand united, shoulder to shoulder,” he added.
Meanwhile, Teodoro challenged China by saying that its world view is “limited”.
This is his reaction to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) released earlier, warning the Philippines against welcoming “predators” in the region.
Ahead of Hegseth’s visit to Asia, Chinese MOFA spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated Beijing’s stance on US-Philippines military cooperation, saying it should not “target any third party or harm their interest, still less threaten regional peace or escalate tensions in the region.”
“Facts have repeatedly proven that nothing good could come out of opening the door to a predator. Those who willingly serve as chess pieces will be deserted in the end,” Guo said.
“Our message to some in the Philippines: stop serving as other countries’ mouthpiece and no more stunt for personal political agenda,” he added.
Teodoro retaliated by saying that the Philippines is not a mouthpiece of any other country, and that comment is “the product of a limited world view of a closed society.”
“We don’t practice propaganda in this country. We practice free speech and democracy. So, the Philippines is not a mouthpiece, unlike they themselves, who are mouthpieces of XI Jinping thought,” Teodoro shot back.
“You know, the problem is, you will hear me, the United States will hear me, Filipinos will hear me; but one billion or more Chinese won’t get to hear what I said,” he added.
For his part, Hegseth also reiterated that the United States is not seeking other countries to use as “chess pieces” but rather is seeking peace, freedom, cooperation and mutual benefit.
“President Trump has made it clear we don't seek war. We don't seek to nation build. We don't seek to use chess pieces and move them around the board. All we seek is peace. All we seek is freedom and cooperation and mutual benefit. And we find that in friends, like our friends in the Philippines,” according to Hegseth.
“But do not mistake our belief in peace and our desire for peace for a lack of resolve. Too many have, and America still stands strong today and will continue into the future,” he added.
